Garden Grove Nursing Home Lawyers
It is common for Garden Grove nursing homes to cut corners by under staffing their facilities. Unfortunately, the consequence of cutting staff or hiring unqualified or under-qualified staff is poor care, and sometimes can lead to nursing home abuse. It is the patients who get shortchanged in the process. Residents of nursing homes who are neglected often have an elevated risk of ailments and injuries. There are many potential signs of nursing home neglect.
Dehydration and Malnutrition
Food and water are the most basic needs for all human beings. All care facilities are required to provide proper nutrition to their residents and to make sure that the food provided is actually consumed. Although nursing homes cannot force a person to eat, they are required to notify a patient's family when he or she is refusing food or drink. Therefore, when a resident is losing weight and appears malnourished, it may be a sign that he or she is being neglected.
Patients with dementia are particularly in danger of dehydration because they often do not or cannot take care of their own basic needs. These types of cases require a rigid schedule that addresses the dietary needs of the patient. Malnutrition can result in weakness and fragility of bones. Victims of malnutrition may also suffer from a compromised immune system making them prone to illnesses and infections. Those with weakened bones may also suffer devastating and debilitating injuries when they fall.
Bedsores
A patient who spends extended periods of time in bed or in a wheelchair may be prone to suffering from bedsores. Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, may start off mild, but they can get serious very quickly especially when they become infected or are not treated properly. More severe cases of bedsores involve wounds that penetrate the skin and the muscle. If these bedsores result in infections, it may be a sign that the resident is being neglected. Care facilities that are providing proper care and attention to their residents can help prevent the spread of bedsores through cleaning and by moving the patient throughout the day to relieve pressure.
Falls
Falling is one of the most common causes of injury for elderly residents. Not all falling accidents are preventable, but attentive nursing staff members can help reduce the number of falling incidents. Nursing homes must provide adequate supervision to their residents. Patients who are particularly fragile should be given added attention whenever they move through the facility. If a victim suffers an injury in a fall and goes unnoticed for a prolonged period of time, it may be a sign of neglect. Elderly victims of falling accidents require immediate medical attention. It is crucial that facilities provide immediate care for residents who have hurt themselves and that the family is notified of the incident.
Choking Accidents
Recently, there have been several incidents in Orange County nursing homes where residents have choked on food and died. Some patients are unable to chew and swallow their food because of medical conditions. Nursing staff members are required to follow doctor's orders in such cases to provide residents with semi-solid, or in some cases, liquid food. Such patients who are prone to choking on their food also need to supervised at mealtime. Nursing homes that fail to provide proper supervision or properly prepared food for their residents can be held liable for incidents that cause injury or death.
If You Suspect Neglect
If you worry that your loved one has been neglected in some way, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced Garden Grove nursing home lawyer. It may be possible to hold the care facility accountable for their negligence. Additionally, if your loved one has been neglected, it is possible that others at the facility are in danger as well. Stepping forward to hold the neglected nursing home liable for their actions can help prevent similar cases in the future.
The experienced Garden Grove nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys have a successful track record of holding negligent nursing homes accountable for their actions. If your loved one has been neglected or abused in a nursing home, please call us at 949-203-3814 or contact us for a free consultation and more information about how we can help you.
